Quantum Dot Synthesis Pack
Ensures uniform quantum dot properties
High PL QYs with narrow size distributions
Accurate nucleation and growth regulation
Revolutionizing Quantum Dot Synthesis with microfluidics
Quantum dot synthesis is a revolutionary method for creating nanoscale semiconductor particles with tunable optical and electronic properties. These nanoparticles, ranging from 2-20 nm, are essential for bioimaging, quantum computing, display technology, and photovoltaics. However, achieving scalable, high-quality quantum dot synthesis comes with challenges like reproducibility, precursor mixing, and temperature control.
This image shows CdSe quantum dots emitting different colors due to size-dependent quantum confinement effects, demonstrating their tunable optical properties.
Credit: Prof. Michael S. Wong, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CdSe_Quantum_Dots.jpg
Maintaining uniform size, shape, and composition is crucial, as even slight variations in temperature, concentration, and nucleation timing can lead to inconsistent optical properties. Therefore, achieving high-quality quantum dots for LED displays, solar cells, and biosensors requires precise control over synthesis conditions.
Additionally, scaling from lab-scale to industrial production while ensuring high photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and narrow size distribution remains a hurdle. Moreover, temperature fluctuations during the high-temperature nucleation and growth phases can cause non-uniform crystallization, leading to defects and lower efficiency. Similarly, inefficient precursor mixing may result in particle aggregation and reduced fluorescence efficiency, impacting applications like display technology, bioimaging, and quantum computing.
From an environmental standpoint, traditional quantum dot synthesis often involves toxic heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and selenium, raising concerns about sustainability and regulatory compliance. Nonetheless, researchers are actively developing eco-friendly quantum dots, such as carbon dots and perovskite quantum dots, which offer high fluorescence with lower toxicity.
Our continuous-flow approach offers precise reaction control, improved reproducibility, and reduced material waste, making it an ideal choice for scaling up production.
Setup
- Flow sensor (Galileo, MIC)
- Microfluidic benchtop pump
- Stage top incubator
- Reservoirs for precursor solutions
- Tubings and fittings
- Custom microfluidic chip (e.g., Herringbone mixer chip – microfluidic ChipShop)
- Your Adapted Microscopy Setup for real-time monitoring
- Automated sampling system (Optional)
- Collection vials
- Your control software for integrated system management
References
Flow Sensor technical specifications
Flow rate ranges: For example, flow rate ranges with <5% accuracy:
- 0.5 – 60 µL/min
- 2 – 150 µL/min
- 40 – 1200 µL/min
- 0.5 – 10 mL/min
Note that the range can be customized depending on working fluid properties (viscosity, etc.)
Calibrated liquids: aqueous media (others are possible upon request)
Wetted materials: PEEK, steel, fluorosilicone, perfluoropolyether resin
Internal volume: approx. 40 µL (variable depending on the used configuration range)
Operation pressure: up to 3 bar gauge pressure
Maximum pressure rating: up to 6 bar gauge pressure
Software operability: standalone GUI for data visualization and logging; optional Python API
Microfluidic Benchtop Pump technical specifications
Pressure control | |||||
| Pressure range | -400 to 600 mbar | ||||
| Air flow rate | 0.1 L/min at atmospheric pressure Possibility to work with higher air flow rates by reducing the pressure range | ||||
Flow control | |||||
| Microfluidic Flow sensor | Monitoring and feedback loop flow control available | ||||
| Flow rates | From 0.1 µL/min to 5 mL/min | ||||
| Liquid compatibility | Non contact pump Any aqueous, oil, or biological sample solution | ||||
Electrical connection | |||||
| USB connection | USB C | ||||
| Sensor connection | One M8-4 pins connector available per channel | ||||
Stage Top Incubator technical specifications
Characteristics | Specifications |
Dimensions (mm) | 30.5 x 130 x 168 (h x w x l) |
Base K- Frame | 3.5 x 110 x 160 (h x w x l) |
Dimensions of internal usable space | 25 X 89 x 130 (h x w x l) |
Dimensions of the bottom glass (ITO glass) | 1) 72 X 110 with a thickness of 1.1 mm 2) 50 x 25 with a thickness of 0.6mm 3) 50 x 22 with a thickness of 0.12 mm |
Temperature range | Room Temperature to 70 oC |
Temperature accuracy | ± 0,5 oC |
External Material | Aluminum and ITO glass |
Compatibility and Applications
- Perovskite Quantum Dot Synthesis: Adapt the platform for controlled synthesis of perovskite quantum dots, known for their exceptional optoelectronic properties.
- Carbon Dot Synthesis: Utilize the system to produce carbon dots, fluorescent nanomaterials with applications in bioimaging and sensing.
- Nanoparticle Functionalization: Precisely control surface modifications of quantum dots for targeted applications.
- High-Throughput Screening: Leverage automated sampling and analysis for rapid optimization of synthesis parameters.
- Biosensor Development: Integrate quantum dot synthesis with biosensor fabrication for immediate testing and optimization.
Can our platform be customized for different types of quantum dots?
Yes, the platform’s versatility allows for adaptation to various quantum dot materials and synthesis protocols.
What are the benefits of real-time monitoring during synthesis?
Real-time monitoring enables immediate adjustments to synthesis parameters, ensuring optimal quality and consistency.
Is the system scalable for industrial production?
While our system is optimized for research and small-scale production, it provides critical insights into process parameters that can be transferred to larger continuous-flow reactors.
Funding and Support
The development of this microfluidic flow sensor has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon research and innovation program under HORIZON-EIC-2022-TRANSITION-01, grant agreement no. 101113098 (GALILEO).
